The voltage control of the French EHV power system is organized in three levels (primary, secondary, and tertiary) which concern distinct geographical areas and time constants. The authors present studies conducted to reach an automatic determination of zones and pilot nodes based on the examination of the structure of the network. The concept of electrical distance has been developed, and its close relationship with the theory of information is underlined. This concept allows the concept of structural controllability and observability of proximity to be extended to the power system. The combined use of this electrical distance and typological analysis algorithms has proven an effective method for the identification of the secondary voltage control zones of the French grid